Apple Inc. Just Pulled The Wraps Off Its Second Retail Store In China In Hangzhou

As part of Apples expansion in China, the company pulled the wraps off its West Lake retail store in Hangzhou Tuesday. Its one of five stores Apple plans to open in the country before Chinese New Year, Apple's retail chief, Angela Ahrendts, told Cnet.

Prior to the unveiling, the West Lake store was shrouded with white barriers bearing a red Apple logo and a Chinese poem painted by calligrapher Wang Dongling. But before the barriers were removed, Apple posted a video on its website to commemorate Wangs calligraphy.

The two-story retail space resembles the tech giant's new flagship store being built in San Franciscos Union Square, designed by architecture firm Foster + Partners. The firm is also responsible for the design of Apples spaceship Campus two, currently under construction in Cupertino, California.

Over the next two years, the company plans to grow its retail presence in China from 15 stores to 40, Apple CEO Tim Cook said in October.

The first of the five stores opened earlier this month in Zhengzhou. Though the wraps have been removed from its West Lake store in Hangzhou, its not open just yet. Apple plans to officially open the retail space this Saturday, Jan. 24, at 9 a.m. local time.

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Apple Inc. Just Pulled The Wraps Off Its Second Retail Store In China In Hangzhou